Asset Manager License
License for managing individual client crypto portfolios, establishing crypto-focused alternative investment funds, and providing investment advisory services.
Financial Institutions Act (FinIA), Collective Investment Schemes Act (CISA) Art. 72 et seq.
Capital Required
CHF 100,000-1,000,000 depending on fund type
Timeline
6-12 months
Fees
CHF 5,000-30,000 application + CHF 5,000-50,000 annual
Regulatory Body
Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA)
Legislative Framework
Financial Market Infrastructure Act (FMIA), Banking Act (BankA), Financial Institutions Act (FinIA), DLT Act 2021, Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA)
Last updated: June 2025
Key Requirements
Minimum CHF 100,000 paid-up share capital or CHF 100,000-1,000,000 for fund management depending on fund type
FinIA registration or full authorization status with FINMA for asset management activities
Qualified portfolio manager and compliance officer with investment management and crypto asset experience
Comprehensive investment policy documentation detailing asset allocation, crypto exposure limits, and risk controls
Custody arrangements with qualified Swiss banks or regulated custodians meeting CISA requirements
Professional indemnity insurance with minimum CHF 2,000,000 coverage for fund management liabilities
Transparent fee structures and conflicts-of-interest policies disclosed to clients in prospectuses
Annual independent audit and quarterly compliance certifications for fund operations and asset valuation
Application Process
Prepare detailed business plan including investment strategy, crypto asset focus, and target client base
Submit FinIA registration or license application to FINMA with organization structure and management CVs
Provide fund documentation including prospectus, management regulations, custody agreements, and valuation methodology
Obtain FINMA approval of investment guidelines specifying maximum crypto exposure and leverage restrictions
Finalize custody and third-party service provider agreements with regulatory approval
FINMA issuance of registration or license with conditions on fund reporting and investor disclosures
Expected Total Timeline
6-12 months
Ongoing Obligations
After obtaining your Asset Manager License, these are the continuing compliance requirements you must maintain.
File annual fund reports with FINMA within 4 months of fiscal year-end including portfolio composition and performance
Quarterly valuation of crypto assets using independent pricing and reconciliation against exchange rates
Monthly internal reconciliation of fund assets and client account balances with independent custody verification
Maintain professional indemnity insurance continuously and notify FINMA of coverage changes
Submit annual compliance certifications regarding investment restrictions and conflict-of-interest policies
Conduct annual independent audits of financial statements and fund accounting with results filed to FINMA
Cost Summary
Capital Requirement
CHF 100,000-1,000,000 depending on fund type
Application & Licensing Fees
CHF 5,000-30,000 application + CHF 5,000-50,000 annual
Jurisdiction Setup Cost
$55,000-$220,000
Annual: $80,000-$200,000
Other Switzerland Licenses
Explore other license types available in Switzerland.
DLT Trading Facility License
FinTech License
Full Banking License
Stablecoin Issuer
Need help with Asset Manager License?
Our team manages the full Switzerland licensing process -from application preparation through post-approval implementation.
The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed by use of this site. LegalWrapper.io is a product of Enterslice. Content on this site may not reflect the most current legal or regulatory developments. Consult with a qualified legal professional before making any structuring, licensing, or compliance decisions. Regulatory requirements and outcomes vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. Prior engagements do not guarantee specific regulatory approvals or timelines.